Statement From BPC President and CEO Margaret Spellings on Future of Department of Education

Spellings on Future of Department of Education: The hard work now begins among Congress, the Trump Administration, and families to determine how best to serve students

Washington, DC – Following President Trump’s issuance of an executive order on the Department of Education, Bipartisan Policy Center President and CEO Margaret Spellings released the following statement:

“Parents and students are deeply frustrated by the state of our education system. We need to do better, and we know from our recent history that we can. From 2000-2015, test scores were going in a positive direction thanks to a bipartisan commitment on accountability. The president’s use of NAEP data in the executive order to highlight the recent trend of declining math and reading scores demonstrates the need to act immediately.

“The executive order is largely what was expected but it also included an important directive to continue funding beneficial programs like Pell grants, Title I, and IDEA ‘uninterrupted.’ That’s a welcomed commitment but taxpayers must also know what they are getting for their money. Recent layoffs at the department will make following through on that commitment a challenge.

“The hard work begins now among Congress, the Trump Administration, and families to determine how best to serve students. Secretary McMahon is an accomplished business leader with government and education experience at the federal, state, and local level, which makes her well-suited to play a leading role in this process.

“The work to improve our education system should include a diverse group of voices with a stake in the outcome. The Bipartisan Policy Center recently launched the Commission on the American Workforce to bring together educators, business leaders, and state and local officials to develop solutions. We look forward to working with Congress, the Trump Administration and others to better serve students and their families.”